Preparation, structures and properties of Phosphate/S-PEEK hybrid composites utilized sintering Al(OH)3 particles as curing agents

Abstract In order to improve interface effect, PEEK was successfully modified by a direct sulfonation method. As a result, PEEK ultilized 80 wt% H2SO4 solution as sulfonation would display much higher degree of sulfonation, which was increased with the reaction time. Al2O3 particles with different crystal forms were prepared by sintering Al(OH)3 particles as curing agents for phosphates. The influence of sintering temperature on structures of Al2O3 particles was evaluated by XRD and shear strength testing. Furthermore, Al2O3-phosphate/sulfonated PEEK (S-PEEK) hybrid composites were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion and molding at 360 °C. Mechanical properties were also measured by the shear, flexural and compressive strength testing. The phosphate ultilized α-Al2O3 particles as the curing agent could perform much better mechanical properties. In paticular, the compressive strength of α-Al2O3 phosphate/S-PEEK hybrid composites would reach 334.58 MPa. These composites would have many potential applications in aerospace, mechanics and medicines.